Trial for Massena kidnappers adjourned for three weeks

CANTON  The trial of the Massena couple who allegedly assaulted and attempted to kidnap another Massena teen was adjourned Tuesday for another three weeks.

Jury selection was scheduled to begin Tuesday for the trial of Miranda M. Green, 18, and Patrick R. Lloyd, 25. But the trial was brought to a halt by St. Lawrence County Judge Jerome J. Richards for reasons which were not disclosed and only stated as legal reasons.

St. Lawrence County District Attorney Nicole M. Duve said a new date of Sept 16 has been set for jury selection.

Jury selection will begin on that day with a new panel, Ms. Duve said. Judge Richards adjourned the panel chosen for jury selection today for reasons I cant discuss.

Ms. Green is facing charges of second-degree attempted kidnapping, first-degree un- lawful imprisonment, second-degree unlawful imprisonment, petit larceny and third-degree assault. She was in court Monday on a warrant for failing to comply with a court order to successfully undergo treatment for substance abuse while released under probation supervision.

It is alleged that on Feb 16, the couple shoved Catherine A. Berry, 18, of Massena to the ground before punching and kicking her in the face. They then reportedly restrained Ms. Berrys hands and tried to throw her into their vehicle before their actions drew the attention of neighbors in the Sycamore Street area where the incident took place. Ms. Berry reportedly suffered bruises and facial swelling as a result of the attack.

That story changed in June when Ms. Berry gave a sworn statement to a Canton private investigator recanting her story, saying that she was coerced to make accusations against the pair and that Lloyd was trying to break up a fight between her and Ms. Green, on Feb. 16.

He did not try to put me in the car. Miranda Green did not make the statement to put me in the car, Ms. Berry said in a statement signed June 4 in the presence of Canton private investigator Donald J. Tracy.

Ms. Berry said she was coerced into making a statement against the pair by her parents as well as by village police Officer Tyler J. Condlin and another man, Matthew C. Malu, her former boyfriend.

The delay could be linked to Ms. Berrys reported reluctance to testify in the case.

Both Ms. Green and Mr. Lloyd remain in St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility awaiting the trial.

Commenting rules:

Stick to the topic of the article/letter/editorial.

When responding to issues raised by other commenters, do not engage in personal attacks or name-calling.

Comments that include profanity/obscenities or are libelous in nature will be removed without warning.

Violators' commenting privileges may be revoked indefinitely. By commenting you agree to our full Terms of Use.